Pictured above: Sue Griffiths (eighth from left),
Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, meets teachers from
Hong Kong during their visit to The University of
Northampton
Primary School principals and teachers from Hong Kong visited
The University of Northampton as part of a project to observe
methods and practices for the inclusion and teaching of students
with special educational needs.
A group of 12 principals and teachers from several schools in
Hong Kong took part in a week of activities organised by Sue
Griffiths, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Special Needs
Education and Research (CeSNER) in the University's School of
Education.
The group attended seminars held at The University of
Northampton. They also had the opportunity to visit primary,
secondary and special schools across Northamptonshire, and take
part in several classroom observations.
Sue Griffiths said: "It has been a very successful visit in
which we have been able to provide the group with a good
understanding of some of the practical techniques, strategies and
approaches to Special Needs Education and Inclusion that are used
in the county's schools.
"The teachers have been impressed by the teaching environments
and facilities they have seen, and also the culture and approach of
learning through play and practical experience. I would like to
thank the schools who hosted our visits for being so generous with
their time and in sharing resources and strategies. The teachers
are holding a conference in July where they will be sharing their
experiences with other schools in Hong Kong."
The project, entitled 'The Quality Education Fund Thematic
Network - Serving Students with Dyslexia', is being run by Dr Fuk
Chuen Ho from the Department of Special Education and Counselling
at the Hong Kong Institute of Education.
Dr Ho said: "Integrated education in Hong Kong took place around
ten years ago and initially there were a lot of concerns about
teaching students with Special Educational Needs in mainstream
schools. There is still room to improve, and we are grateful for
the opportunity to experience the systems and support available in
UK schools."
Staff from CeSNER have been working with The Hong Kong Institute
of Education and schools in Hong Kong for several years. From 2007
- 2009 Professor Richard Rose, Director of CeSNER, was Marden
Visiting Professor at the Institute and has also conducted joint
research with them. Lecturers from CeSNER have provided training
for teaching assistants across Hong Kong in collaboration with the
Institute.